Help...need to build a non-Fender Strat to 62 specs???

I was asked to build a NEW guitar to 62' Fender Strat specs, but can't use any authentic Fender parts. So I need to know what makes a 62 Fender special and how is it different from current Fenders and other vintage year Strats.

Any suggestions on what parts to use? My budget on parts is around $500, maybe a little more.

You CAN play anything with anything....but some guitars sound right for some things, and not for others. Single coils sound retarded for metal, though those who are apeshit about harpsichord probably beg to differ.